calcium

noun

cal·​ci·​um ˈkal-sē-əm 

often attributive

: a metallic chemical element of the alkaline-earth group that occurs naturally only in combination and is essential to cellular functions in all known organisms see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of calcium in a Sentence

Her doctor said she should eat more foods that are high in calcium, such as milk and cheese.

Recent Examples on the Web

Also, the Mediterranean diet does not contain many dairy products, which can lead to lower calcium levels. —Patty Weasler, Verywell Health, 12 May 2025

The fourth looked at whether taking calcium plus vitamin D supplements helps prevent hip fractures and colorectal cancer. —Jean Wactawski-Wende, The Conversation, 2 May 2025

Most commercial bread is made with preservatives—like calcium propionate and sorbic acid—that deter mold development and extend the product’s shelf life, Bucknavage says. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 1 May 2025

If your package of pectin comes with calcium powder, in a lidded container, stir ½ teaspoon of the calcium powder into ½ cup of water, cover, and shake vigorously to dissolve. —Adam and Toby Diltz, Saveur, 1 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin calc-, calx lime

First Known Use

1808, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing calcium

• calcium carbide
• calcium carbonate
• calcium channel blocker
• calcium chloride
• calcium citrate
• calcium cyanamide
• calcium gluconate
• calcium hydroxide
• calcium hypochlorite
• calcium oxalate
• calcium oxide
• calcium phosphate
• calcium silicate
• calcium sulfate

Rhymes for calcium

• dicalcium
• tricalcium

Kids Definition

calcium

noun

cal·​ci·​um ˈkal-sē-əm 

: a silver-white soft metallic element that is found only in combination with other elements (as in limestone) and is one of the necessary elements making up the bodies of most plants and animals see element

Etymology

derived from Latin calc-, calx "lime" — related to calculate, chalk

Medical Definition

calcium

noun

cal·​ci·​um ˈkal-sē-əm 

often attributive

: a silver-white bivalent metallic element that is an alkaline earth metal, occurs only in combination, and is an essential constituent of most plants and animals

—symbol Ca see Chemical Elements Table